‘Rookie’ officer saves woman trying to jump off Marietta bridge

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A “rookie” Marietta police officer saved a woman trying to jump off of Delk Road bridge on Thursday.

According to the Marietta Police Department, Officer Austin Martin was one of the first on the scene early Thursday morning.

Police got a 911 dispatch call “advising that a woman was suicidal and on the Delk Road Bridge over I-75.”

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Martin, who first joined MPD in 2022, “achieved solo status just six short weeks ago,” according to the department.

When he responded to the call, MPD said Martin didn’t let his lack of experience on the job affect how he approached the woman and introduced himself, while she “scaled the fence.”

Martin tried to build rapport, staying calm and speaking with her for close to an hour in an attempt to get her back over the fence to safety.

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While the events unfolded, a team of first responders from MPD, the Cobb County Police Department, the Marietta Fire Department, and the Cobb County Fire Department “coordinated rescue efforts” through the Cobb County 911 Dispatch Center.

MPD said the interstate had to be shut down in both directions as the woman “navigated outside the protective fencing” above the north- and southbound lanes.

When other officers attempted to help Martin with her, “the woman became angry,” leaving Martin at the center of what MPD called a life-and-death crisis.

Eventually, the department said the woman became fatigued, and Martin “calmly laced his fingers onto hers through the chain link fence,” allowing other officers from MPD and CCPD enough time to grab her clothes, “holding on for dear life.”

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At that point, MFD and CCFD used a ladder truck and lowered her to safety.

“I could not be prouder of the actions of Officer Martin and all those involved in saving this woman’s life. To those who ask why anyone would want to become a police officer these days, this is just one example of the impact a first responder can have in someone’s life,” Marietta Police Chief Martin “Marty” Ferrell said. “I am appreciative of the collaboration that exists between each of our agencies. If you experience a crisis in Cobb, rest assured we are all coming as one cohesive team to assist you.”

MPD said the woman is now safe and receiving help.

If you or someone you know is struggling there are resources available. 988 is also a direct line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline counselors.

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